Fambul Tok

Fambul Tok takes its name from a grassroots organization dedicated to fostering forgiveness in Sierra Leone. Since the conclusion of the civil war in 2002, victims and perpetrators have returned to live together after years of rape, mutilation, murder, and destruction of property (the rebels also drafted children to fight, using funds from blood diamonds to keep the battle going). The situation in Sierra Leone recalls similar scenarios in South Africa and Rwanda, although Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was ultimately less effective because the government granted amnesty to most of the guilty. Human rights activist John Caulker formed Fambul Tok (“family talk”) to foster communication in order to make real amends in hopes that such atrocities will never recur. Reporter-turned-director Sara Terry records testimony from victims, including a man who watched in horror as a neighbor executed 17 members of his family. Caulker tries to track down the perpetrator, Tamba Joe, to ask him to apologize to the citizens of Foendor and ask for forgiveness, but Joe proves elusive, so his sisters and a former colleague attempt to make things right. In over 50 other villages throughout the country, ex-combatants face their accusers around traditional bonfires to express remorse, ask for mercy, and join together to rebuild their communities. DVD extras include a director's statement, filmmaker bios, and a snapshot of an American classroom that benefited from the “fambul tok” approach to conflict resolution. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)